Playing to Win: Politics and AuditionsAll the world's a stage, and nowhere is that more true than politics. But music commentator Miles Hoffman says that in some ways the competition for a spot on an orchestra can be just as intense as a run for the White House. Hoffman and NPR's Bob Edwards discuss the similarities -- and the differences.

All the world's a stage, and nowhere is that more true than politics. But music commentator Miles Hoffman says that in some ways the competition for a spot on an orchestra can be just as intense as a run for the White House. Hoffman and NPR's Bob Edwards discuss the similarities -- and the differences.

Like candidates trying out a new speech before a focus group, musicians play for friends and colleagues to solicit critiques before they audition. And like the political arena, there's the matter of financing. You have to pay your own way to travel to the audition -- even if it's across the country.

"It's like the candidates who decide where they're going to buy TV advertising, in which state," Hoffman says. "You have to decide which auditions you have a good enough shot at, and financing your airplane trips to auditions is not always so easy."

Unlike politics, when you win a spot on an orchestra, you're on probation for a year. But once you've passed probation, you typically have tenure. "Then you're el presidente for life..." Hoffman says.